Currently undergoing a $90 million makeover led by the architects from SCDA, Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is slated to be reopened in 2023, instead of 2021 as originally projected.
Ms Chong Siak Ching, deputy chair of SAM's executive committee of the board and head of the Visual Arts Cluster, shared,"As we went into the detailed investigation of the building, we discovered, as a very old heritage building that was last renovated 20 over years ago when SAM first opened, there were a lot more areas that we had to address than we originally anticipated. (Source: The Straits Times)
Here's what you can look forward to seeing.
Pictured: Artist impression showing Singapore Art Museum's new Queen Street Courtyard
A sleek contemporary facade
In addition to the original heritage architecture, a new facade on Bras Basah road will feature reflective glass panels running length-wise, with panels progressively angled towards and reflecting the dome of the building.
A new Queen Street entrance
This will transform the inner Queen and Waterloo courtyards of the museum into a large high-volume atrium to welcome visitors.
Visitors exiting the Bras Basah MRT Station will be greeted by a spacious outdoor plaza that ushers them into the museum.
Purpose-built gallery spaces
There will be a new Sky Gallery, a “floating” column-free exhibition space that gazes out to the former SJI building, and where large contemporary artworks can be displayed. There will also be new gallery spaces in front of the former CHS building.
A gallery-bridge
The two separate buildings currently occupied by SAM, the old St Joseph's Institution (SJI) and former Catholic High School (CHS) buildings, will be linked by a bridge to create a seamless museum experience so visitors can view exhibitions, attend museum events and programmes across both buildings.
It will also double as a gallery.
Increased overall space
The revamp is expected to add 30 percent more space to the institution and alleviate the stresses placed on the heritage buildings from exhibiting contemporary art. The sky gallery, in particular, will expand SAM’s exhibition capacity by 1,200 sq m, allowing it to host multiple exhibitions.
A pedestranised green space
The original entrance of the museum and former driveway along Bras Basah Road will be converted into a lawn that includes art works and accessible only to pedestrians.
Increased accessibility for visitors with special needs
"We are sensitive and careful in ensuring visitor journey is smooth," said Ms Chong, who shared that the new building design will allow for increased accessibility for visitors with special needs.
Pictured: Artist impression showing Singapore Art Museum's new Waterloo Street Courtyard